General Motors Unveils New Lithium-Manganese-Rich Battery Chemistry
General Motors made a groundbreaking announcement on Tuesday, revealing a new battery chemistry called lithium-manganese-rich (LMR). This new technology is set to significantly reduce costs while delivering an impressive driving range that rivals the most advanced batteries currently on the market.
According to Kurt Kelty, GM’s vice president of battery, propulsion, and sustainability, the LMR technology will enable GM to achieve over 400 miles of range in their trucks while also reducing battery costs substantially.
One of the key advantages of LMR is its ability to minimize the use of nickel and cobalt, two crucial minerals that are not widely available from domestic sources in the United States. This new chemistry represents a major advancement from GM’s current cells, particularly the nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells used in the Chevrolet Silverado EV, which offers an impressive 492-mile range but comes with a high price tag.
GM is already planning a version of the Silverado EV that will utilize cheaper lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells, which would reduce the cost by $6,000 but also decrease the range to 350 miles. The LMR technology aims to maintain the cost savings of LFP cells while preserving a higher range compared to the current NMC cells.
The composition of LMR cells includes zero to 2% cobalt, 30% – 40% nickel, and 60% – 70% manganese, making it a more cost-effective solution. GM has invested significant resources in research and development to overcome the challenges associated with manganese-rich batteries, ensuring that the new LMR cells offer long-lasting performance.
Furthermore, LMR battery packs will feature prismatic cells instead of pouches, resulting in a battery pack with over 50% fewer parts. This shift to prismatic cells is expected to yield substantial cost savings for GM in the production process.
GM has ambitious plans for the widespread adoption of LMR technology across its EV lineup, with the potential to revolutionize the market. The new cells will be manufactured by Ultium Cells, GM’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution, which has already made significant investments in battery manufacturing in the United States.
Despite the challenges of scaling up production, GM is confident in its ability to meet the 2028 target for implementing LMR technology. The company’s rigorous testing and research efforts have positioned them as a leader in battery innovation, paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective future in the electric vehicle industry.
